AI Overwhelms 28% of French Workers: Feelings of Being Outpaced Surge

A survey by Ipsos.Digital for Jedha was conducted among 1,000 French professionals aged between 18 and 65 to gain insights into their perceptions of generative AI, three years post the launch of ChatGPT. The main takeaway from this study highlights that a portion of the workforce feels overtaken by the rapid advancements in AI, with a growing gap between daily users and those who feel left behind.

The Two-Speed AI Revolution: The Early Adopters vs. The Rest

Since ChatGPT’s introduction in November 2022, AI usage has spread across various sectors. However, a significant number of professionals in France still feel sidelined. According to the study, “28% of workers feel overwhelmed by AI-related changes”. Among these, the “generational factor” plays a role, with 34% of professionals aged 50 to 65 feeling “lost when it comes to AI”, compared to just 22% of those aged 18-34.

While these figures do not suggest a total rejection of AI by this minority, it is clear that a divide is forming between two user profiles: the “early adopters” (11%), who regularly use AI and clearly see its benefits in their professional lives, and those who struggle to keep up with the fast and continuous evolution of generative AI.

This sense of being overwhelmed contrasts with the majority of French professionals who report no difficulties and are successful in adapting to these changes (66%), with 26% even stating they are completely comfortable with these tools. According to the study, senior executives are the most confident (75%), unlike lower-level employees who seem to have the most trouble utilizing generative AI tools.

The Use of Generative AI: From Tolerance to ‘Shadow AI’ Practices

The Ipsos study indicates that 41% of French professionals (in all sectors except agriculture) use AI at work, with 30% using it occasionally and 11% regularly – the latter being classified as “early adopters.” From generating new ideas and editing text to creating images or analyzing PDFs, the applications (and benefits) of tools like ChatGPT are varied, as also observed in the second edition of our BDM survey dedicated to generative AI.

While the use of AI is increasingly tolerated (42%) and even encouraged (48%) in digital professions, according to the BDM survey, a phenomenon known as “Shadow AI,” or the clandestine use of AI due to a lack of oversight, is becoming prevalent. This issue is further highlighted by the Ipsos study, which reveals that 28% of users admit to “using their own tools without necessarily informing their company”. Additionally, 30% say their companies give them the freedom to choose their tools.

“This reveals a lack of clarity in the management of AI in organizations, leading to security risks and sometimes inconsistent practices,” comments Antoine Krajnc, CEO and founder of Jedha, in a statement.

A Strong Desire among French Professionals to Learn About AI

On a positive note, to address the lack of AI governance in workplaces, French professionals appear willing to train and better understand this technology to mitigate feelings of being overwhelmed. “70% of workers want to better understand how it works so they don’t fall behind. This number increases to 74% among computer users and 78% among senior executives,” continues the Ipsos.Digital survey for Jedha. A sense of urgency about this training need is felt by 67% of the workforce.

The main motivations for AI training focus on productivity, to save time and increase efficiency by mastering generative AI tools. A total of 73% are ready to undertake training to achieve this goal. However, opinions are divided on the benefits of AI training for job security: while 45% remain skeptical, 48% of those aged 18-34 and 50% of senior executives are more optimistic about this aspect.

“Employees are asking for short, flexible training formats that fit into their schedules. The onus is on employers and training providers to meet this demand, as the motivation is clearly there,” adds Jedha’s CEO.

Finding an AI Training Program

Methodology of the Ipsos.Digital Survey for Jedha: “This survey was conducted among a sample of 1000 active French workers (excluding farmers) aged 18 to 65. The sample was structured according to the quota method, based on gender, age, and region criteria. The interviews were carried out via a self-administered online questionnaire through the Ipsos Digital platform from May 28 to June 2, 2025.”